Real Person example essay topic

Arevalo 1 Michael ArevaloPhilosophy / Extra Credit 02-03-02 The Problem With Evil The Problem With Evil refers to the statement; 'No evil happens to a good person in this life or after death'. The question at hand refers to the statement being accurate or not. Depending on how you define the words; "good", and "person", this statement may be construed as inaccurate or accurate. We must first define the words "good", and "person". The American Heritage defines "good" as being; (1 a) "Virtuous; Valid or True". It also defines "person" as; (2 a) "Self; the personality of a human being".

However the Dictionary also has these alternative definitions: good - (1 b) "Genuine; Real": person - (2 b) "the living body of a human being". If you are to believe definition (2 a), that there is more to a person than the physical body, our statement in question could be considered accurate. The thought or notion to be "true", and or the "personality of a human being" is a concept. These concepts are forever true or changeless (eternal). Our ability to become aware of these concepts may illustrate something eternal within ourselves. Thus making the statement accurate because whatever evil happens to the physical body is not harming the real person.

If one is to believe definition (2 b), the physical body is what makes up a person, and then the statement in question could be considered inaccurate. The idea that the physical body is the real person is that one that exists objectively. Thus making the statement inaccurate because one cannot live life and expect to never encounter situations that may be harmful or injurious to the body (real person). This brings up the question of being good. Can a "good person" be one who believes the body is the real person?" If yes then, would it be correct to say definitions (1 a) & (1 b) are similar in that to be a genuine or real person, one would participate in being virtuous and or true? If one believes this to be true, would a person say that to be genuine and or truthful is a concept rather than an objective existence?

Arevalo 2 As we see the question is not about the statement being accurate or inaccurate. Rather the question is; "Do you acknowledge the statement?" If one acknowledges that to be a good person is to participate truth & virtue, then they must also acknowledge that these are eternal concepts rather than objectivity. Thus by acknowledging these concepts indicates something eternal within us. To say the body is the real person, and that the real person can be good, is a contradictory statement. If one believes in good then one believes in eternal concepts. Thus the real person is eternal.

If this is correct, can we then go as far to say that they believe in a soul?